Earth Science Module (Sample Coursework)

105. INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
4 hours credit
Introduction to the variable physical character of the earth.
Treatment of weather, climate, soil, vegetation, landforms and
oceanic circulation with emphasis on processes,
interrelationships
and distributional patterns.

Spring SemesterChoose any two courses below.
Not all courses are available
each year.

103. INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
4 hours credit
Introduction to the nature and character of the Earth’s crust
and the geological processes that generate and shape landform
features. Topics include minerals, rocks, earth structure
and plate tectonics, geological processes and associated
landforms.

316. BIOGEOGRAPHY
3 hours credit
Study of spatial distribution of plants and animals, including
the processes that led to those distributions. The course
synthesizes knowledge from the fields of ecology, geology,
climatology, paleontology and physical anthropology. Topics
include patterns of biodiversity, evolution and extinction,
communities and ecosystems, life on islands, earth history,
paleoecology, human impacts and conservation. Two mandatory
field trips to local natural areas.

401. SOIL, WATER AND ENVIRONMENT
3 hours credit
Study of basic chemical and physical properties of soil,
focusing on surface hydrology of small watersheds and the
related techniques used in environmental planning.